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L.A. Philharmonic head Fleischmann dies

Transformed organization into one of U.S.'s top orchestras

Ernest Fleischmann, the musical impresario who led the Los Angeles Philharmonic for nearly 30 years and helped transform it into one of the nation's top orchestras, has died. He was 85.

The philharmonic says Fleischmann died Sunday at his Los Angeles home after a long illness.

During his tenure, Fleischmann expanded the philharmonic's activities at the Hollywood Bowl and helped bring conductors Carlo Maria Giulini, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Gustavo Dudamel to Los Angeles. He oversaw the creation of Walt Disney Hall and worked closely with architect Frank Gehry.

A musician himself, Fleischmann conducted concerts in South Africa and managed the London Symphony Orchestra before joining the LA Phil in 1969.